Honda has unveiled what it calls the 'Riding Assist' technology at the ongoing Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Honda Riding Assist basically uses technology that allows the motorcycle to balance itself in slow speeds without the use of gyroscopes. This is achieved essentially by raking out the motorcycle's front forks and then moving the front wheel back and forth - just like cyclists do to balance themselves at extremely slow speeds.
Honda Riding Assist Motorcycle Leverages the Company's Robotics Technology
Most self-balancing technology uses gyroscopes, but that adds a lot of weight, which could limit a motorcycle's ability to manoeuvre. Instead, the Honda Riding Assist motorcycle leverages the company's Robotics technology. When engaged, the system increases the fork angle of the front suspension lengthening the bike's wheelbase and, disconnecting the front forks from the handlebars. The system then uses minute steering inputs to keep the bike perfectly balanced, without the use of heavy gyroscopes or other mass-shifting devices. In fact the concept bike Honda showcased at CES can even silently propel itself along following its owner, hinting that there is space for autonomous technology as well.
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